World Celebrates Christmas with Joy Today

On this special day, the Ziradaily Newsroom Team extends our warmest Christmas wishes to all our readers. May this festive season bring peace, joy, and love to you and your loved ones. As we look ahead to the new year, let’s carry forward the spirit of generosity and hope. Merry Christmas!

Mary and Joseph with his baby Jesus Christ 

This time of year serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity, and compassion. 

Whether through family gatherings, charitable acts, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season, Christmas offers a chance to connect with loved ones and communities in meaningful ways.

Jesus is the Son of God but was born to a woman on earth. This faithful woman’s name was Mary. When Mary gave birth to Jesus, many signs and angels appeared so that faithful people could find Him and pay their respects. You may have seen this scene depicted through nativities at Christmastime.

Even as a young man Jesus was teaching the word of God. At 12 years old, Jesus was found “in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers”

Throughout His life, many were angry with Jesus because they didn’t understand Him. He taught unfamiliar things and showed compassion to sinners. He demonstrated incredible power, and some civic and church leaders felt threatened by His influence.

Jesus was arrested and later crucified, or killed, which He allowed in order to fulfill God’s will. “I lay down my life,” the Lord said, “that I might take it again. 

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:17-18). Even as Jesus was being killed by His own people, He cried out that God might have mercy on them.

While Christmas celebrations may differ across cultures, the universal themes of love, peace, and joy unite us all. From the twinkling lights on homes and streets to the warmth of shared meals and festive songs, the holiday season invites us to pause and cherish the moments that matter most.

In the midst of the holiday bustle, Christmas also provides an opportunity for quiet reflection. It’s a time to appreciate life’s blessings and to extend goodwill to those in need. For many, this time of year serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, acts of kindness and community spirit can bring light to the darkest of day

The history of Christmas is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and religious observances that have evolved over the centuries. While the holiday as we know it today has Christian origins, many of its customs stem from pre-Christian winter festivals.

Christmas traces its earliest roots to the celebration of the winter solstice in ancient cultures, where people gathered to mark the return of longer days.

Over the centuries, Christmas gradually became a major religious celebration, marked by church services, the singing of hymns, and the sharing of meals. By the 19th century, especially in Victorian England, 

Christmas began to take on its modern form, with the introduction of customs like the Christmas tree and the exchange of gifts. Figures like Charles Dickens, through works like A Christmas Carol, helped shape the image of Christmas as a time for family, charity, and goodwill.

Christmas in Colombo: A City Dressed in Lights 

Christmas in Colombo 

In Sri Lanka, Christmas is celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm, particularly in Colombo, where the festive season transforms the city into a magical wonderland. Colombo's streets and buildings are adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations that reflect both traditional and modern interpretations of the holiday.

Christmas decorations in Colombo 

The Colombo cityscape comes alive with dazzling light displays, Christmas trees, and sparkling decorations that stretch along main streets, shopping malls, and key landmarks. Prominent locations like Galle Face Green, Liberty Plaza, and the Colombo City Centre are particularly popular spots for visitors and locals alike, all eager to experience the festive spirit.

Christmas decorations in Colombo 

Local markets also see a rise in holiday-themed goods, from decorations to festive treats, making it a lively time for both shopping and celebration. Many hotels and restaurants in Colombo offer special Christmas meals, with local and international delicacies, and even live Christmas music, further adding to the cheerful ambiance of the season.

The spirit of giving is alive in Colombo as well, with several charity events and community outreach programs taking place throughout the city. People come together to donate food, clothes, and toys to those in need, making Christmas not only a time for celebration but also for spreading kindness and goodwill.